Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months
Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
Join a leading research team tackling methane emissions and driving Australia’s energy transition. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Research Officer to support field surveys, data analysis, and development of innovative measurement technologies.
You will work with cutting-edge tools—including UQ-GET’s autonomous methane trailer system with LiDAR capability—on multi-day field expeditions across Queensland. Collaborating with industry partners such as Santos, Origin Energy, and Arrow Energy, you will support to deliver accurate methane measurement, verification trials, and emission modelling.
You will be based at our UQ St Lucia Campus but with a significant requirements for fieldwork in remote locations in Queensland for periods of up to two weeks at a time.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Deploying and maintaining advanced sensing technologies, including LiDAR-based systems. You will process and analyse large datasets to quantify methane emissions, contribute to developing and optimising autonomous measurement platforms, and collaborate with researchers to plan and execute safe, effective field operations. The position also includes preparing clear reports and visualisations to communicate results and support project milestones and publications.
Supervision and Researcher Development: While primarily research-focused, you are encouraged to pursue teaching opportunities, support HDR student training and supervision, and contribute to activities that attract postgraduate students to the School or Centre.
Citizenship and Service: Collaborate in mentoring PhD students, uphold UQ’s values, and support colleagues and operations when needed.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
Completion or near completion of PhD in environmental science, engineering, geoscience, atmospheric science, or a related technical field. Or completed Master’s degree with equivalent experience in environmental science, engineering, geoscience, atmospheric science, or a related technical field.
Demonstrated ability to collect, process, and interpret environmental or technical datasets, with attention to data quality and accuracy.
Practical experience with field instrumentation, sensors, or experimental setups—ideally in environmental or geophysical monitoring contexts.
Competence in data processing and analysis using Python or similar tools; familiarity with visualisation and reporting workflows is desirable.
Innovative and proactive mindset, with a willingness to learn new methods and contribute to equipment testing and system development.
Clear and confident communicator, capable of contributing to field planning, reporting, and collaboration within a research team.
Reliable and safety-conscious, able to work independently during field expeditions and in remote outdoor environments.
Physical capacity to lift and move moderate loads (10–15 kg) and handle equipment setup safely; an open driver’s licence is essential.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations, etc.
Work Rights:
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Phil Hayes via philip.hayes@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
Cover letter
Responses to the ‘About You’ section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close on Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57773).